A 4.4 magnitude earthquake shook the area northwest of Fort St. John early Monday morning. The tremor occurred at 6:23 a.m., about 60 kilometers from the city.
Earthquake Canada reported that the quake had a shallow depth of five kilometers. Officials said no damage has been reported and none is expected in the region.
The earthquake took place in an area known for oil and gas activity. So far, the BC Energy Regulator has not commented on whether fracking may have played a role.
Residents in Fort St. John said they felt the ground shake briefly, with some reporting rattling windows and minor vibrations in their homes. No injuries have been reported.
Shallow earthquakes, like this one, can be felt more strongly even if their magnitude is moderate. Experts say tremors under 10 kilometers deep tend to transmit more shaking to the surface.
Earthquake Canada monitors seismic activity across the country and issues updates when necessary. Their data shows that British Columbia experiences hundreds of small quakes each year, most of which go unnoticed.
While this earthquake caused no damage, local authorities reminded residents to review emergency preparedness plans. Simple steps such as securing heavy furniture and keeping emergency supplies can help reduce risks from unexpected quakes.
Seismologists continue to study the impact of human activity on earthquake frequency in oil and gas regions. Hydraulic fracturing, or fracking, has been linked to small tremors in some areas, though it is not clear if it caused this particular event.
The last significant earthquake near Fort St. John was a 4.1 magnitude tremor in 2022. That quake also caused no damage but was widely felt by local residents.
Emergency management officials emphasize that minor quakes are part of living in regions with active geology. They encourage residents to stay informed through official channels and avoid spreading unverified information.
As the investigation continues, authorities urge calm and caution, assuring the public that monitoring systems are in place to detect any aftershocks or unusual seismic activity.
For now, the Fort St. John area remains safe, and the earthquake is classified as minor. Residents are advised to remain vigilant but not alarmed.
